The intern program in a nutshell

The basis of the Summer Intern Program is a highly individualized
research experience for each student coupled with group activities. As
an intern in the VIMS/SMS program, you'll work closely with a mentor,
and often within the context of a research team, to develop an
individual project. Depending on the project, the summer may involve
lots of 'hands-on' experience in the field or laboratory, or both.
You'll have access to one of the best marine science libraries in the
country, as well as extensive computer facilities.

Interns are expected to work with their mentors to develop a project
idea in the form of a brief research prospectus, conduct their
research, and then present results in a final program that is open to
the VIMS community. Interns also prepare a summary research paper that
is maintained in the program archives. In some cases, this has been the
basis for a subsequent publication in the scientific literature. For
more information on intern research projects, check out the student research page.

During the summer we meet every week for a seminar that features a
guest speaker discussing topics such as

"Observing Systems for Coastal Marine Science"

"How to Apply to Graduate School: Tips from the Faculty
Who Read the Files"

"Alternatives to Life in Academia: A Panel
Discussion"

"How to Give an Effective Scientific Presentation"

"Science Ethics"

Field Trips

Other group activities include 3 field trips. We traverse the
coastal plain environment, from a freshwater system that feeds into the
Chesapeake Bay, through the estuary proper and out to the Atlantic
Ocean along the shoreface of the Delmarva Peninsula. When we kayak the
tidal freshwater reaches of Chesapeake Bay, expect to see an abundance
of wildlife and learn how land-use practices in the watershed affect
the local estuary and coastal ocean. During a research cruise in the
York River estuary aboard the VIMS research vessel Bay Eagle,
there will be opportunities to try state-of-the-art oceanographic
instrumentation, to pull in a trawl net full of fish and crabs, and to
learn a bit about vessel navigation. When we travel to the VIMS Wachapreague Laboratory
on Virginia's Eastern Shore, we spend a full day exploring nearly
pristine coastal habitats, including an open coast beach, salt marsh,
and oyster reef.

Quotes from Former Interns

“I am really glad I chose this program because I gained field and
lab experience. My mentors, including grad students, really helped me
understand what was going on.”

“Research at VIMS was a wonderful experience. It was especially
helpful in learning about graduate school and helping me decide what I
want in a graduate program.”

“I have more confidence because I’ve always felt as if my grades
didn’t reflect my abilities; this project allowed me to excel and now I
see that I enjoy this field and can do well in it.”

"VIMS is a great institution for pursuing a career in marine science."

"It [the research experience] reaffirmed that this is what I want to do with my life."

"Internships provide essential information necessary for prospective
students to decide if they would want to pursue a career in marine
science."